COHASSET - February 4, 2026 - Superintendent Dr. Sarah Shannon warned the School Committee that the district faces a nearly $2 million budget deficit for the 2026-2027 school year, even with a projected 4% town allocation. The gap necessitates drastic reductions, including a potential loss of 15 to 20 full-time equivalent (FTE) positions across the district. [01:31:03]
The Full Story
The fiscal outlook for Cohasset Public Schools dominated the evening, as Superintendent Dr. Sarah Shannon detailed a “level service plus” budget that initially requested an 11.8% increase, only to be met with a stark reality: the town can likely only afford 4%. [01:27:12] This leaves a $1.9 million shortfall. [01:28:13]
The proposed plan to close this gap includes eliminating the full funding of full-day kindergarten, reducing facility and technology spending by $50,000, and cutting $200,000 from professional development and curriculum resources. [01:31:54] However, the most significant impact will be on personnel, which accounts for 80% of the budget. [01:38:33] The district is bracing for a reduction of 15 to 20 FTEs, a move that would affect both student-facing and administrative roles. [01:39:09]
“Every educator does this because they love their jobs... part of my fear with some of these reductions is actually that while the impact will be there, not everyone will really see it because our teachers are amazing and they’re going to make do. But that doesn’t mean we didn’t need something.” [01:33:37] — Dr. Sarah Shannon, Superintendent
Dr. Shannon and committee members addressed the growing local conversation regarding a Proposition 2 ½ override. While an override could permanently increase the tax base to fund operations, Shannon emphasized the need for a sustainable, multi-year plan rather than a “short-term fix.” [01:45:13] The committee is also anticipating a debt exclusion override request in the near future to fund feasibility studies for a new middle-high school building project under the MSBA core process. [01:46:52]
Why It Matters
For residents, the budget crisis signals a potential shift in the quality and scope of Cohasset’s education system. The reduction of 15-20 staff positions and the move away from fully funded full-day kindergarten will directly impact classroom sizes and student support services. Taxpayers may soon be asked to vote on a tax increase (override) to maintain the current standards of the district. [01:55:56]
Official Minutes & Data
Key Presentations
Youth Risk Behavior Survey: High school and middle school leaders presented data showing a “precipitous decline” in vaping since 2019 (dropping from 40% to single digits) and a decrease in alcohol use to 25%. [14:32], [01:31:11] However, a significant disparity was noted in mental health, with female students reporting higher levels of stress and depressive symptoms. [16:08], [34:01]
Student Services Update: Director of Student Services Michael Stapleton highlighted that while students with disabilities may not always meet MCAS proficiency targets, high “Student Growth Percentiles” (SGP) show many are making significant progress relative to their peers. [01:00:56]
ELL Audit: A recent state audit of the English Language Learner program found four areas needing partial implementation, including documentation and SEI teacher endorsements. A corrective action plan is due in late February. [01:15:15]
Key Motions & Votes
Motion: To adjourn the meeting.
Vote: Unanimous (5-0) [02:27:52]
Public Comment
Stephanie Saunders: Expressed appreciation for the “BRYT” program and its impact on students facing school avoidance, requesting more outreach to parents regarding mental health resources. [43:13]
Victoria Latanzzi: Noted that Cohasset ranks 130th in teacher pay and 274th in teachers per student statewide, urging the committee to consider a strategic override rather than losing high-quality personnel. [02:08:58]
What’s Next
Joint Meeting: A joint session with the Select Board and Advisory Committee is scheduled for February 10, 2026, to discuss the FY27 budget. [01:48:46]
Public Hearing: An official public budget hearing will be held on March 18, 2026, at 5:00 PM. [01:49:04]
Source Video: Town of Cohasset